Computer Hardware Engineers

 

A computer hardware engineer works on the research, design, development, and testing of the hardware components — such as chips, circuit boards, and microcontrollers — for computers and electronic devices. They must be knowledgeable of electrical and computer engineering principles and be able to analyze and solve problems. Without computer hardware and software, there would be no smart phones, DVD players, digital recorders and critical systems in airplane cockpits, modern cars, or computerized medical devices. As a computer engineer, your knowledge of computer architecture, digital electronics, circuits and digital communication will lead to innovations or bring about another information revolution. The computer engineering program covers vast areas such as VLSI, Embedded and Real Time Systems, Digital Image Processing, database management systems, software systems, computer control and robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Whether you're an engineering major now or are a self-taught software engineer, build your skills and get experience to ignite your career in computer engineering. EdX.org has a wide variety of courses in disciplines required for a career in Computer Engineering. Several courses introduce both the fundamentals and advanced skills needed for Software engineering.

Gain Experience And Skills In Relevant Areas

A comprehensive list of necessary skills and abilities for computer engineers can be found atMyMajors.com. Since those early days of computing, however, most significant advancements in computer hardware have been made by teams working at medium to large corporations. Douglas EngelbartandBill English, co-inventors of the computer mouse and developers of hypertext, computer networks and the graphical user interface .

Possible Professional Designation

Entry-level computer hardware engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as computer and information technology. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have graduated from an engineering program accredited by a professional association, such asABET. To prepare for a major in computer or electrical engineering, students should have a solid background in math and science. The field of Computer Engineering has traditionally been a mix of two programs, major courses from Computer Sciences and minor courses from Electrical Engineering. It has played a crucial role in developing specialized Computer Scientists, who are well-aware of the underlying hardware and experts in solving domain problems related to both computer software and hardware. They excel in understanding the hardware-related issues that may affect the performance of a software deployed on the hardware.

The rapid increase in Internet of Things devices, for example, can show how computer devices are becoming ubiquitous. The BLS estimates that the computing and IT industry will add more than half a million jobs to the U.S. economy over the coming decade, projecting approximately 546,200 job openings. Students who graduate with a BS or MS in a computing-related field, such as CE or CS, will be valued, sought-after, and in-demand in an increasingly competitive economy. Software development engineer positions can be found in any number of industries. The role of an SDE is typically to design and build computer systems and software — either from scratch or by modifying existing systems and code base.

What Can You Do With A Degree In Computer Engineering?

As a software engineer, your expertise in analog/digital signal processing, microprocessors, microwaves and fibre optics will give you the tools to tackle these challenges everyday. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing. Be sure to reach out to professional societies focused on computer engineering where you live. Not all will offer membership to pre-university students, but most offer groups for university students, and certainly offer online resources to help you explore the field.

This list includes Operating Systems, Introduction to Databases, and Software Architecture and Engineering, Computer Communications and Networks, Microprocessor Interfacing, Signal Processing, Digital System Design, and Cloud and Distributed Computing courses. Hands on practical experience in specially designed labs under the supervision of qualified instructors in addition to the theoretical foundation built through courses is ensured for all core Computer Engineering courses. At the undergraduate level, examples of courses include circuit analysis, logic design, digital systems design, computer architecture, mathematical foundations of computing, and probability and random processes. Jim graduated from Missouri State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in physics with minors in astronomy and technical writing. After graduation he worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a network systems administrator, a technical writer-editor and a nuclear security specialist.

Computer Network Architects Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks , wide area networks , and Intranets. This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of computer hardware engineers. CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area.

With cloud computing and VoIP services expanding at a rapid pace, additional job prospects are certain to follow. The engineering laboratory experience is another essential part of the computer engineering curriculum, either as an integral part of a course or as a separate stand-alone course. Such experiences should start very early in the curriculum, when students are often motivated by the "hands-on" nature of engineering. Computer engineering students should be provided many opportunities to observe, explore and manipulate characteristics and behaviors of actual devices, systems, and processes.